IF YOU want to raise money for people with mental health problems, blowing your savings on a big night out at the casino might not sound like a great idea.

But that is exactly what two Rotary Clubs from Oxford did, and thankfully, Lady Luck was with them on the night.

On the evening on Saturday, April 23, the Rotary Club of Oxford Spires and Rotaract Club of Oxford transformed Kennington Village Hall into a gambling grotto with blackjack, roulette and Texas Hold 'Em all on offer.

Guests were encouraged to dress in black tie or anything that made them feel glamorous for a night.

Members from both clubs took turns to act as croupiers at the tables after receiving special training from Oxford Spires member Richie Gray – a keen poker player.

Mr Gray, who acts as Rotaract liaison officer for his club, had circulated short videos to both clubs to illustrate the rules of the games and acted as compère on the night.

The Witney resident explained: "I wanted to turn one of my favourite pass times, poker, into something good for the community.

"After suggesting the idea to the other club members, we all worked together to make the casino night fundraiser a reality."

Prizes of champagne, Battle Prom tickets and beautician vouchers were up for grabs to those who had turned their pot of toy casino chips into the highest amounts at the end of the evening.

The evening raised £300 for the mental health charities which the two clubs had already chosen as their charities of the year: Oxfordshire Mind, which offers practical advice and support to people with mental health problems, and Restore, which helps sufferers rehabilitate and get back into work.

Both charities will continue to benefit through the year from events which the clubs help organise including Truck music festival in Steventon and the World Poohstick Championships in West Oxfordshire on Sunday, June 5.

Spires club president Karen Eveleigh said: "We wanted to run a fun event with a relatively low ticket price.

"From the levels of laughter and concentration around the gambling tables, we think that we achieved that."

Rotaract club president Jon Laker added: "The night was a great success providing entertainment for both volunteers and guests alike."

For more information go to oxfordspiresrotary.org.uk and oxfordrotaract.co.uk